Berlin Mayor Adam Salina Gives Blizzard 2013 Update

The Public Works Department has made tremendous strides towards the goal of achieving two-lane traffic for all town roads. With the warmer weather and assistance of large pay loaders and backhoes secured last week, we estimate nearly 95 percent of roadways are widened for two-lane traffic.

The highway department will continue working with our contractors this week on stockpiling snow and removing snow banks where sight line issues occur at intersections. With that said we expect to continue to stockpile, plow and remove snow around residential properties, driveways and sidewalks, which may require additional removal by residents.  

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School buildings and grounds were given the highest level of attention to ensure roof loads were checked, snow removed from drains, and HVAC equipment vents were cleared from all five schools. An independent, professionally licensed structural engineer was retained to inspect the roofs prior to schools opening and issues a letter recommending schools could be occupied. We did this to insure the upmost confidence and safety in our staff and children returning to school.

We ask drivers to be very careful and conscious of poor sight lines when driving in the morning as cars and children may not be visible at all times. Residents are also requested to be conscious and aware of the parking situation on narrow streets. Although the parking ban was lifted we request the use of off street parking where possible and if parked on the street be away from intersections and other driveways to minimize potential accidents.

Each of the three water districts have begun uncovering and exposing fire hydrants covers with snow banks throughout the Town. This will continue over the next few weeks however we ask residents to assist by exposing hydrants near their property where possible. This will help to accelerate the process and assist our volunteer fire department in the event of an emergency.

We ask residents to continue being patient and understanding of this monumental task while we continue our cleanup efforts. We will make every attempt to address each and every street in town to lessen the hazards wherever possible.

As a reminder contact the public works office regarding snow plow issues as we continue storm cleanup tasks over the next two weeks.  Telephone (860) 828-7022 or our website under Q Alert system www.town.berlin.ct.us.